Ashton Ward’s favourite team growing up was the Brisbane Broncos. His favourite player was Darren Lockyer, and he often wondered what it would be like to be coached by the legendary Wayne Bennett.

On Saturday, 26 July, the 20-year-old from Gerringong made his NRL debut off the bench for the South Sydney Rabbitohs - and the person who delivered the news was none other than Bennett himself.

“It’s a bit of a funny story,” said Ashton’s father, David Ward. “He was supposed to get a phone call on the Sunday before, letting him know he needed to come in early Monday morning to be told in person before the team meeting.”

“But when the coaches walked in on Monday, Wayne asked, ‘Where’s Ashton?’ Turns out the assistant coach had forgotten to call him. So Wayne rang Ashton that morning so it wouldn’t be a complete shock when he walked in and saw he was playing first grade.”

A crowd of 46 family members, friends, and supporters made the trip to Gosford’s Polytec Stadium to watch Ward debut against the Cronulla Sharks.

“It was a really good turnout, especially considering Gerringong had a club game that day,” said David. “A lot of his mates couldn’t come because they were playing, but those who could made the trip. He was really appreciative of the support. We were all extremely proud - it’s a massive achievement.”

One of the most meaningful moments came in the lead-up to the match, when Bennett offered Ashton some sage advice.

“Wayne told him, ‘Don’t underestimate how hard it is to play just one game of NRL,’” David recalled. “‘I’ve seen hundreds of talented footballers who never got that chance. Don’t take it for granted.’”

Ashton began at the Gerringong Lions at five years old and has always dreamed of playing in the NRL, but his road hasn’t always been smooth. He’s long been considered undersized by some coaches - but that didn’t faze Bennett.

“I think sometimes players are overlooked because coaches have a set idea of what physical attributes they want,” David said. 

“Ashton’s always been on the smaller side, but Wayne told him a story earlier this year about being told not to pick a kid for the Broncos because he was too small. That kid was Allan Langer - and we all know how that turned out.”

Ward played 23 minutes at five eighth in his debut, a narrow 14-12 loss to the Sharks. Despite limited time, he made his presence felt - finishing with 25 running metres, 14 tackles, and two kicks.

The following week, he was named in the starting team against the Brisbane Broncos, the very team he grew up supporting. 

Although the Rabbitohs were beaten 60–14, Ward earned his first NRL points with a conversion and made 34 tackles, including an impressive try-saving chase-down on Broncos second-rower Jordan Riki.

“As soon as he started chasing, you just knew he was going to make the tackle,” said Gerringong Lions first-grade coach Scott Stewart. “We’ve seen him do it so many times before.”

Ward is the third Gerringong Lions junior to debut in the NRL in 2025, joining Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan. That makes seven current NRL players from the club, alongside Tyran Wishart, Jackson Ford, Reuben Garrick, and Kyle McCarthy.

David believes Gerringong’s tight-knit culture has played a key role in their success.

“The culture is like no other,” he said. “Ashton had a Friday off training recently, so he came home from Sydney and went up to train with Gerringong - just to catch up and help with a few drills. They love still being part of the club.”

The South Sydney Rabbitohs take on the Gold Coast Titans on 10 August, and Ashton has been named to retain his spot at five-eighth.